 We are making progress in creating a safer, more equitable city. Over the past few months, we’ve:
- Added leadership positions.
- Reached milestones in police and community safety reform.
- Increased police staffing.
We are working toward real, lasting change through police reform and reimagining community safety.
“We have done much to create a safer, more equitable City over the past few months,” said Community Safety Commissioner Toddrick Barnette. “Improving safety and reforming both our police department and our approach to community safety will continue to be my priority. I am excited about our progress, but there is much more work to do.”
 The Minneapolis Police Department has surpassed 600 sworn personnel for the first time since early 2023 — a key milestone in our efforts to rebuild the department.
So far in 2025, MPD has hired:
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23 Community Safety Officers (CSO)
Non-sworn officers who are gaining valuable on-the-job experience; Enrolled in a law enforcement program to earn their degree and work toward P.O.S.T. requirements
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40 Cadets
Non-sworn officers who have a two- or four-year degree in a different field; Enrolled in a law enforcement program to earn their degree and work toward P.O.S.T. requirements
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21 Recruits
New officer trainees who attend the Police Academy before becoming sworn officers; Already have military police experience or P.O.S.T. certified
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Eight Laterals
Experienced officers who transferred from another police department
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12 Pathway Interns
Early-career interns gaining on-the-job law enforcement experience while waiting to join a CSO or Cadet Academy
This is a significant increase over the past two years. Through strategic recruitment and a new police contract, we are making a strong push to attract officers who reflect the City's values.
 Lt. Richard Walker and his son Richard Jr., known as “RJ,” who is a Minneapolis Community Service Officer (CSO).
After years of declining staffing levels, recruitment at the Minneapolis Police Department is finally on the rise. Applications more than doubled in 2024, and the department recently launched its largest police academy class since the 1990s.
A big part of this momentum is being driven by “legacy families” — veteran officers whose children are now stepping up to serve. These families reflect a deep commitment to public service.
Community Service Officer (CSO) Macauley Reuben, inspired by his father Patrick’s nearly 30-year career, says he joined to be a “positive change” after watching his city in crisis. He’s one of several second-generation recruits making their way through the ranks today.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara credits this new generation for lifting department morale, noting that the culture has shifted from one of trauma to one of hope, healing, and connection — grounded in family values and commitment to community.
Read the Star Tribune story:
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 From left to right: Minneapolis firefighters Nichole Nelson, Mika Lambert, Shelby Breidenbach, Rosemary Murphree and Andi Barrickz.
A group of Minneapolis firefighters braved the scorching summer heat to take part in the Servpro Midwest Regional Firefighter Challenge in St. Paul.
Firefighter Andi Barrickz claimed first place in the Under 40, Division 3, female competition. In addition, a team of our women firefighters placed first in the Under 40 Regional Relay Female.
"This is the first time that Minneapolis Fire Department participated, and we did well," said MFD Assistant Chief Melanie Rucker. This event showcases the dedication, endurance, and capabilities of the men and women that serve on the City of Minneapolis Fire Department.”
Events mirrored real-life firefighter training, testing skill, endurance and readiness. They included:
- A stair tower climb with a high-rise pack
- Hose hoist
- Forcible entry
- Hose advance
- Victim rescue.
Competitors could place in six categories: Individual, showdown, tandem, hybrid tandem, relay and hybrid relay. Both the women’s team and firefighter Barrickz now advance to the national championship held in September in Oklahoma City. The world finals will take place in Texas in October.
 Members of the Minneapolis Police Department, alongside community members, recently gathered at the 5th Precinct on June 14 to honor the life and legacy of one of our own — Officer Jamal Mitchell.
In a solemn and heartfelt ceremony, Inspector James Novak and Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell joined Officer Mitchell’s family, friends, and colleagues to formally dedicate a new memorial garden outside the 5th Precinct. This quiet, reflective space was created for officers and visitors alike to pause, remember, and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Inside the precinct, a portrait, a shadowbox, and a bronze plaque now stand as permanent tributes to Officer Mitchell’s courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the community he served.
Officer Mitchell served the southwest part of Minneapolis with distinction and heart until his life was tragically cut short in the line of duty more than a year ago. His loss is still deeply felt across the department and the city he dedicated himself to protecting. We miss him, honor his memory, his service, and his sacrifice — and we will never forget him.
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 The Lake Street Safety Center held its first open house this month. Employees and service providers welcomed residents and visitors during the outdoor event. People had the chance to connect directly with staff, ask questions, and learn about the many free resources available at the center.
Located in the East Lake Street neighborhood, the center is a collaborative space of government and community-based services. From K–12 school enrollment support to victim services and city service requests, the center is designed to be a one-stop location for residents seeking help or information.
People can also file non-emergency police reports, pick up free naloxone and fentanyl test strips, and connect with the City’s new Community Safety Ambassadors. The program launched in May and operates out of the center.
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The Minneapolis Police Department, in coordination with other law enforcement partners, recently launched Operation Safe Summer—a coordinated public safety initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and improving community safety.
The results of the multi-agency operation, which took place from June 2-7, resulted in:
- 92 arrests
- 12 stolen vehicles recovered
- 25 firearms recovered
The arrests were tied to serious criminal activity, including illegal firearm possession, drug trafficking, auto theft, and other offenses that pose a direct threat to public safety.
MPD and our partners are working to prevent violence before it happens and restore peace in neighborhoods across the city.
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 This month, the Minneapolis Police Department celebrated a series of well-earned promotions. The event recognized the hard work, leadership, and dedication of officers who have consistently gone above and beyond to serve our city.
Among those honored included
- Deputy Chief Emily Olson
- 5th Precinct Inspector James Novak
- Two new Commanders
- Three new Lieutenants
- Thirteen new Sergeants
In addition, Chief Brian O’Hara introduced new Internal Affairs Bureau Chief Ayodele Famodu. These promotions reflect years of commitment and service. They represent the best of what MPD strives to be—leaders putting integrity, professionalism, and public service first.
The Minneapolis Police Department is dedicated to maintaining your trust and making sure you feel safe in your home and neighborhood. If you are ever unsure whether someone is a real police officer, don’t hesitate to call 911.
How to identify an officer
- Minneapolis police officers will say their name and agency when talking with you.
- During a traffic stop, you can call 911 to verify the officer’s identity.
- Look for agency markings on their vehicle and uniform. Lack of markings may be a warning sign.
- Make sure the agency serves your area. Agencies serving Minneapolis include, but are not limited to:
- Minneapolis Police Department
- Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
- Metro Transit Police
- Minnesota State Patrol.
- If you didn’t call the police, be extra cautious.
- Always feel free to ask for their name, badge number, and agency. Officers will provide this information.
- Check their uniform and vehicle for badges, patches, and insignia that show which agency they represent.
- If you can’t see who’s at your door or something feels off, call 911. We can tell you if an officer is there.
Remember, we’re here to help you feel safe
When in doubt, reach out! Call 911 or our non-emergency line at 612-673-5335 any time, day or night.
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Fourth of July fireworks are part of Independence Day celebrations. Every year, noise complaints and safety issues lead to hundreds of 911 calls per hour. That’s why the City wants to make sure people stay safe during fireworks season and know what to do if they have fireworks-related complaints.
Call 911 when:
- Someone needs medical attention.
- Fireworks are directed at people or property.
- Fireworks start a fire or cause smoldering.
- Children are using fireworks unsupervised.
Use 311 for non-emergencies:
People can make noise and fireworks complaints through:
- Texting “fireworks” to 311898 to report on the City’s website
- By calling 311 during business hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
Visit the City website to find information
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 The City of Minneapolis has chosen NovoaGlobal, a leading provider of advanced traffic safety and enforcement technology, for the City’s upcoming pilot program focusing on speed enforcement cameras.
Beginning in September, cameras in five locations will provide automated enforcement of speed limits. Next month, the City will provide information about the location of the five cameras, how they work, and what enforcement will look like.
The City may expand the pilot to up to 42 camera locations and may also expand to include the enforcement of red light violations. The program is expected to run through July 2029.
Read the full story on the City's website
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